Watch defensive linemen take over the NFL Combine

This year's class of defensive linemen has been the talk of the draft, with as many as 10 expected to be drafted in the first round. On Sunday, we saw why.

Montez Sweat, a projected mid-first-round pick, headlined the day by posting a blistering 4.41 40-yard dash time — the fastest registered by a defensive lineman in the modern combine. Previously Manny Lawson (2006) and Isaac Hilton (2004) shared the record at 4.44. For context on just how fast that is for a lineman, Sweat's time would be the 8th-fastest among wide receivers at this year's combine. And Sweat a 6-6, 260-pound menace of an edge rusher.

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Montez Sweat set a record for defensive linemen in the 40-yard dash. (Darron Cummings / AP)

But Sweat was far from the largest lineman running today, and one of the biggest had a blazing time for a 300-pounder. Quinnen Williams, a 6-3, 303-pound defensive tackle out of Alabama, ran a 4.83 40, one of the fastest times recorded at the combine for a 300-pound player. Williams, another presumptive first-round pick and a possibility for the Jets, was actually advised not to try for a faster time after running 4.87 in his first attempt. It's a ridiculous time for a tackle his size, and drew comparisons to Aaron Donald, the 2014 first-rounder who dominates from that position for the Rams.

Meanwhile, Nick Bosa, brother of former No. 3 overall pick Joey, posted a 4.79 40 time -- not elite, but a solid time, and an improvement on Joey's 4.86. A merely good showing was likely all Bosa needed to secure the No. 1 overall slot. He isn't a physical monster like other prospects, but is widely regarded as the best rusher in his class.

And other defensive linemen impressed without setting records. Top-5 prospect Rashan Gary, 6-4 and 277 pounds out of Michigan, is a tweener who can play defensive tackle and strong side defensive end, much like Donald. He ran a 4.59 40, even faster than Donald's 4.68.

It wasn't all good news for the standout linemen, however. Dexter Lawrence, a 6-4 350-pound tackle, ran a 5.05 40 — very good for his size — but strained a quad in the process.